Dorset Police turned out in force with a dazzling show of flashing blue lights for the weekly Clap for Carers event yesterday.

Local officers and staff not deployed on other incidents showed their support for the NHS, key workers and carers at 8pm outside Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Dorset made a fantastic effort last night in showing its appreciation for frontline workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

For a third week, the whole country took to doorsteps, balconies and gardens to Clap for our Carers - and the campaign showed no signs of waning.

In these times of uncertainty, it's become a positive fixture. 

Clapping, cheering and the clattering of pots and pans could be heard all over Dorset. 

At RBH, with more than a dozen marked vehicles parked in the car park, at 8pm the lights of all the cars flashed blue in support of the NHS.

Families applauded on their doorsteps while at Poole Hospital, fire crews from Westbourne and Poole joined their emergency services colleagues on Longfleet Road for the occasion.

The Clap for Carers applause is growing in popularity with streets putting on music and entertainment for residents, while maintaining social distancing advice.

In Isaacs Close, Talbot Village, neighbours were treated to a mini disco thanks to Blitz Disco.

And in Canford Heath, George, 6, and Elena, 4, made sure their support was clear for all to see Bournemouth Echo:

Emergency services across the county took part in the event, from control rooms to ambulance stations.

The national campaign encourages us all to show our appreciation for healthcare workers, emergency services, armed services, delivery drivers, shop workers, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, vets, engineers and all those who are out there making a difference to our lives in these challenging times.

It takes place on Thursdays at 8pm.